PFOA & PFAS Testing
PFOA testing is a process used to detect the presence of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) using various instruments such as a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatograph (GC), Mass Spectrometer (MS), or Titration (also known as Titrimetry).
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PFOA & PFAS Testing
- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
PFOA & PFAS Testing Overview
PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) is a synthetic perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) that has been manufactured and used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products for decades -including non-stick cookware coatings, food packaging, stain-resistant textiles, firefighting foams (AFFF), and various industrial processes. PFOA and related PFAS compounds are extraordinarily persistent in the environment and in biological systems. They do not break down under normal environmental conditions, accumulate in organisms up the food chain, and have been linked to health effects including thyroid disruption, immune system impacts, and certain cancers. Regulatory restrictions on PFOA and the broader PFAS class are expanding rapidly in the US, EU, and globally.
PFOA and PFAS testing is the analytical process of detecting, identifying, and quantifying these compounds in products, materials, water, soil, food, biological samples, and industrial process streams. The primary analytical techniques are liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), which can detect individual PFAS compounds at concentrations in the parts-per-trillion range. Total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay and total fluorine analysis by combustion ion chromatography (CIC) are used where screening for unknown or transformed PFAS is needed.
At Infinita Lab, we connect clients to accredited labs for PFAS and PFOA testing across the full range of matrices -drinking water and groundwater, soil and sediment, food and food contact materials, consumer products, textiles, packaging, and industrial effluents. Whether the driver is regulatory screening, product safety demonstration, supply chain verification, or environmental site assessment, we match clients with the right analytical method and detection capability for their specific matrix and regulatory context.
PFOA & PFAS Testing Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
PFOA and PFAS testing covers the detection and quantification of individual and grouped PFAS compounds in aqueous, solid, and biological matrices. Individual compound analysis covers legacy PFAS including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFDA, PFHpA, PFHxA, PFBS, and other perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), as well as fluorotelomer compounds and PFAS precursors. Regulatory method frameworks applicable include US EPA Methods 533 and 537.1 for drinking water, EPA 8327 for aqueous matrices, and EPA 533 for short-chain PFAS. EU PFAS restriction assessments under REACH, California Proposition 65, and other jurisdictions may specify additional compound lists. Total fluorine and TOP assay are available for uncharacterized PFAS screening. Detection limits are matrix-dependent and can reach sub-ng/L (parts per trillion) in clean water matrices.
Applications
- Drinking water and groundwater PFAS testing per EPA Method 537.1 and EPA 533
- Soil and sediment PFAS characterization at contaminated sites near AFFF use areas or manufacturing facilities
- Food and food contact material PFAS testing for packaging migration assessment
- Consumer product testing -cookware, textiles, carpets, and apparel for PFOA and PFAS content
- Industrial wastewater and process water PFAS monitoring for discharge permit purposes
- Firefighting foam (AFFF) formulation and residue characterization
- Supply chain and raw material screening for PFAS-free product claims
- Environmental site assessment for PFAS-impacted soil and groundwater remediation
Benefits
- LC-MS/MS detection provides compound-specific identification and quantification at part-per-trillion levels
- Covers both legacy long-chain PFAS and emerging short-chain compounds under one analytical program
- TOP assay and total fluorine analysis detect precursors and unknown PFAS that targeted methods miss
- Results reported against US EPA, EU, and other regulatory limits as applicable to the client’s jurisdiction
- Applicable across all major environmental, food, product, and industrial matrices
- Accredited lab network ensures defensible, legally reviewable data for regulatory submissions
- Compound list customizable to the specific regulatory framework or supply chain requirement
PFOA & PFAS Testing Process
Sample Collection and Preservation
Samples are collected in PFAS-free containers (typically HDPE or glass that has been verified as blank-clean) using PFAS-free collection equipment.
1Sample Extraction and Preparation
The extraction method is matched to the matrix.
2LC-MS/MS or HRMS Analysis
Purified extracts are analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
3Data Review, QA/QC, and Reporting
Results are reviewed against method acceptance criteria -internal standard recoveries, matrix spike recoveries
4PFOA & PFAS Testing Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Analytical testing -method and compound list matched to matrix and regulatory framework |
| Primary Analytical Method | LC-MS/MS (targeted quantification), HRMS (non-targeted screening) |
| Screening Methods | Total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay, combustion ion chromatography (CIC) for total fluorine |
| Key Regulatory Methods | EPA 537.1, EPA 533, EPA 8327, EPA 533 short-chain, EU REACH PFAS list |
| Detection Range | Sub-ng/L (parts per trillion) in clean water matrices |
| Matrices Covered | Water, groundwater, soil, sediment, food, food contact materials, consumer products, industrial effluents |
- Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) with PFAS-optimized column and ion source
- High-resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS) -Orbitrap or QTOF for non-targeted analysis
- Solid phase extraction (SPE) system with PFAS-specific cartridges
- Pressurized liquid extractor (PLE) for solid matrix extraction
- Combustion ion chromatography (CIC) instrument for total fluorine measurement
- PFAS-free certified sampling containers and laboratory consumables
- Isotope-labeled internal standard suite for quantification accuracy
Instrumentation Used for PFOA & PFAS Testing
PFOA & PFAS Testing Results and Deliverables
- Compound-specific PFAS concentrations for all target analytes in the applicable compound list
- Method detection limits (MDLs) and reporting limits (RLs) for each compound and matrix
- QA/QC data including internal standard recoveries, matrix spike recoveries, and blank results
- Comparison of results to applicable regulatory limits (EPA health advisory levels, EU limits, or state standards as specified)
- TOP assay results and total fluorine data where precursor screening is included
- Chain of custody documentation from sample collection through final reporting
- Full analytical report with all quantitative results and data quality assessment formatted for regulatory submission, product safety documentation, or site assessment use
Frequently Asked Question
PFAS refers to a large family of thousands of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, while PFOA is one specific compound within that group. Many regulations restrict both individual PFAS compounds and total PFAS content.
PFAS testing is frequently performed on textiles, food-contact materials, cosmetics, packaging, electronics, cookware, firefighting foams, and consumer products to verify regulatory compliance.
Most PFAS analyses are performed using advanced techniques such as liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which enables accurate detection of targeted PFAS compounds at very low concentrations.
Yes. Depending on the testing scope, laboratories can quantify specific PFAS compounds, measure total organic fluorine, or perform total fluorine screening to support regulatory or product investigations.
Why Choose Infinita Lab for Advanced Materials Testing and Characterization?
At the core of this breadth is our network of 2,000+ accredited laboratories across the USA, offering access to over 10,000 testing methods and analytical services. From advanced materials characterization (SEM, TEM, RBS, XPS) to mechanical, chemical, environmental, biological, and standardized ASTM/ISO-compliant testing, we deliver unmatched flexibility, specialization, and scale. You are never limited by geography, facility, or methodology — Infinita Lab connects you to the right expertise and testing solution, every time.
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